In this profoundly beautiful and intensely moving lament, Joel Hayward explores an intensely personal yet universal experience: the inscrutable space of love and death, and faith in the midst of loss.
Mourning has many forms and moods, and this collection of poems explores them all.
These poems are an unsparing witness of his grief love and unspeakable loss, tracking the stages of grief when love gives way to bottomless pain.
He is left to wrestle with the awful questions: How could God let this happen? And, can we ever be happy again?
He also beautifully writes about a solitude new to him; about the ebb and flow of sadness; about the slow pace of mourning, and life reclaimed through writing.
This book will touch your heart as albeit written in the author’s darkest hours, the result is a staggering, uplifting tour de force

Much has been written about loss and pain, but I have yet to read something that even comes close to this collection of poems by one of the most extraordinary poets I have ever met. Dr. Hayward is a multifaceted scholar of the highest caliber, and his genius and skills become quite vivid in these beautifully written, deeply reflective, and highly emotional verses. Having gone through such challenging times, the author offers the reader personal insights and practical approaches that are refreshing and consoling, and which give great hope to the mournful heart. Pain and Passing is a highly recommended work of art for anyone seeking answers to deeper questions about life and death, but also about the process of grieving and healing. - Flamur Vehapi, author of Peace and Conflict Resolution in Islam

This is one amazing book of Poetry in which you can feel the emotions of the author.
For those that have lost their loved ones, will echo the words expressed in this book. Truly had me in tears reading the poetry. It truly takes you through the pain and suffering of the beloved and to the memories which remain and will not be forgotten.
Fantastic piece of work, which I would encourage others to buy and read....

There is nothing can alleviate the pain of losing a beloved one, and inevitably, all words and expressions in describing that person or expressing the pain and sadness of the passing will be sincere, splendid and beautiful regardless of the sadness that wrapping them, for the fact that such words effused from the heart. This is what you feel and touch through these poems, at the same time; you will find solace and patience for such a misfortune. I ask the Almighty to inspire Professor Joel with great optimistic poems, after inspiring him with these magnificent poems of passion and sorrow.

Much has been written about loss and pain, but I have yet to read something that even comes close to this collection of poems by one of the most extraordinary poets I have ever met. Dr. Hayward is a multifaceted scholar of the highest caliber, and his genius and skills become quite vivid in these beautifully written, deeply reflective,
and highly emotional verses. Having gone through such challenging times, the author offers the reader personal insights and practical approaches that are refreshing and consoling, and which give great hope to the mournful heart. Pain and Passing is a highly recommended work of art for anyone seeking answers to deeper questions about life and death, but also about the process of grieving and healing.

- Flamur Vehapi, author of Peace and Conflict Resolution in Islam

There is nothing can alleviate the pain of losing a beloved one, and inevitably, all words and expressions in describing that person or expressing the pain and sadness of the passing will be sincere, splendid and beautiful regardless of the sadness that wrapping them, for the fact that such words effused from the heart. This is what you feel and touch through these poems, at the same time; you will find solace and patience for such a misfortune. I ask the Almighty to inspire Professor Joel with great optimistic poems, after inspiring him with these magnificent poems of passion and sorrow.

By reading this book I felt the author and poet brought his own experiences to life. There is a poem for almost every moment. Words that change darkness into hope, that somehow capture the times you spent with the one you love.

He brings a chuckle, a belly laugh, and releases the tears. I think Joel has the gift of observation. When you are grieving and don't know what to say turn to Pain and Passing.